Catamorphosis

Catamorphosis is a process of change in which a living system changes its appearance or behavior but retains its functional identity. In biology, the question of whether such a process can be reversible is often discussed. If yes, what conditions are necessary for its implementation. In this article we will look at the basic principles of catamorphosis and its significance in nature and human life.

What is catamorphosis: a general idea The definition of “catamorphosis” includes two parts: “kata” - meaning transformation, and “morpho” from the Greek “morpho” - formation. Thus, catamorphosis is a “process of formation” or “formation by transformation.” Catamorphoses occur in many biological systems associated with speciation, adaptation and evolution. They can lead to the replacement of some parts of the system with others, to a change in the types of tissues in the body, and even to a change in the shape of the entire organism. An important aspect is the role of genetic information and its transmission in the formation of new characteristics.

Examples of catamorphoses are the thickening of the heart membranes of some mollusks for the purpose of more efficient use of oxygen, a decrease in the size of the heads of small fish compared to their size, a change in the structure of the kidneys in frogs when switching to feeding on aquatic plants, as well as a change in the characteristics of blood flow.

Catamorphoses in biochemistry and genetics Catamorphoses are important not only in the field of biology, but also in such areas as biochemistry and genetics. For example, in both of these disciplines one can talk about mechanisms that lead to the strengthening or weakening of certain genes. This allows bionts to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Genetic information is inherited from one generation to another from its parents through different channels: the nucleus (DNA); mitochondria; plastids. There are also many mechanisms for changing the chromosomal structure of cells that allow the body to adapt to different environmental conditions. Mutation is the ability of the molecular structure of a gene to change, which can lead to catamorphosis. At the same time, of course, negative effects of mutations on the genetic material are also possible.